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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2010-11-04 MinutesEquity and Diversity Meeting November 4, 2010 Minutes PRESENT Commissioners: Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arnesen, Carolyn Barge, Mary Hulvey, Mellody Matthes, Aaron Draganov Staff: Joyce Trantina Guests: Kathleen Gantz, Parent Involvement Coordinator, Tukwila School District; Representatives from SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers): Dr. Julio Navarro, Technical Fellow, Boeing Company (Research and Tech.); Maggie Navarro, Aida Hernandez, Chapter President. Gaby Baylon, High School Student Liaison. ABSENT: Jonathan Joseph WELCOME TO NEW/REAPPOINTED MEMBERS The group extended a warm welcome to recently appointed/reappointed members: Brenna Arnesen, Carolyn Barge, Mellody Matthes, Aaron Draganov, and Mary Hulvey. Joyce reported that there are still two vacancies on the Board (one school district position, and one citizen position). The group welcomed Kathleen Gantz and provided her with an application form. Kathleen plans to apply for the school district position on the Board and provided the group with some background information. (She has a B.s. in Human Services, spent 6 years at the YMCA working in youth and family programs, at risk youth, etc., 2 years experience with the City of Tukwila (Parks and Rec), and 2 years with the City of Auburn. She is the granddaughter of Betty Gully and is enthusiastic about serving Tukwila's residents on the Equity and Diversity Commission, and would be a welcome addition to the group. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from the October 7, 2010 meeting were read and reviewed. Motion was made (Joan Hernandez) and seconded (Carolyn Barge) to accept the minutes as written. PRESENTATION Representatives from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) provided the group with background information. Founded in 1974, the group promotes a wide range of different programs, developed as a way to serve as role models, specifically in the Hispanic community, but across other minorities as well. The Jr. Chapters belong to the SHPE Jr. Chapter Program, which requires high school students to enroll in the program and maintain a minimum GPA to participate in events and activities. Junior chapters are located throughout the US and Puerto Rico with over700 members. Some of the benefits to high school students include: opportunity to participate in national science and engineering competitions; connections with engineering and science college students and professionals. Dr. Navarro shared the fact that Boeing took 62 people to a recent conference/career fair and sponsored extreme engineering challenges for participants. Companies interviewed 250 students focused in the engineering/chemical/aerospace fields The conference also provides workshops on resume writing, how to interview, etc. Tukwila has a diverse population and Boeing (thru SHPE) would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the school district and the Equity and Diversity Commission, to identify ways to bring SHPE into the schools. It provides students of ALL backgrounds information and exposure to careers in the engineering/science/mathematics fields, provides mentors for students, and resources for parents of these students as well. The group discussed contacting the science coordinator for the elementary schools and that there may be an opportunity to utilize this group to assist in running a project as part of the after school program. Mellody or Kathleen will explore this further within the school district and then get back in touch with one of the SHPE representatives. Mellody explained that college students are currently hired within the school district to mentor high school and middle school students. Volunteers are always sought to help high school juniors/seniors with college application processes, etc. Brenna shared that the Chamber of Commerce "student of the month" for October is now eligible for a grant/scholarship, and he may have an interest in this organization. She will forward his contact info. to Aida at president@shpepsc.org. The Commission thanked the visitors for the useful information. These programs may be an excellent way for the Commission to facilitate better collaboration with the school district. OLD BUSINESS Joan attended the October COPCAB meeting . Dr. Wilson Reed, Seattle University, provided information regarding ethical policing and offered trainingfor the OPCAB board members. She had the feeling that the COPCAB Board is having similar challenges in filling Board positions and getting folks to attend meetings, etc. They are sending letters to board members who haven't shown up for a long time to determine whether or not those members plan to continue on the Board, and suggested we consider doing the same. Joyce will checkthe by-laws and provide further info. to members regarding this issue. Mary attended the Cultural Declaration Day at Highline Community College on October 16 and spoke with the vice -chair at length, discussing cultural issues that folks have when they arrive from refugee camps. Brenna asked if the members would like to invite representatives from Start Zone come and make a presentation to the commission. They help diversity folks start businesses. Joyce will look into this further. Joan also received information from the Vietnamese Community of Seattle, and will extend an invitation to them to contact the Commission, for attendance at a future meeting COMMISSION VACANCIES After discussion, it was decided that Joyce would provide a contact at Seafood City to Joan, who can then make contact regarding any interest in the remaining citizen vacancy. She will also get in touch with Jonathan Joseph to determine whether or not he wishes to continue his role on the Commission. OTHER Carolyn shared with the group, that in the Seattle School District, there is a reading program that takes place in the library and community center — books are donated and every week kids are taught how to use the library, refreshments for parents, etc. She suggested that the Commission consider a program like this, and will follow up with the KC Library. Perhaps they could attend a Commission meeting in the future. Brenna will provide her with contact info. CITIZEN COMMENTS None Next Meeting Dec. 2nd Meeting Adjourned: 6:30 p.m.